Big-Wheel Racing Is a Strange Procession of Funny

Hey, can you keep a secret? Good. What may be the funniest of all Weird Sports happens Easter Sunday in San Francisco. Just don’t tell anyone. Please.

A bunch of crazed and costumed adult children will hop on their favorite kiddie trike and race down a steep hill during the 11th annual BYOBW (Bring Your Own Big Wheel) extravaganza.

OK, race might be an exaggeration. It’s more of a procession. A procession of funny.

I photographed the Big Wheeling a couple years ago after getting a tip from a friend in the Bay Area. (I think that tipster, ironically, is now my picture editor here at Wired. Hvala, zena!) I saw some pics and video and thought it looked epic. Turned out it is epic.

The event started originally on Lombard Street, which I hear the neighbors simply loved. It recently moved to a more secluded area in Potrero Hill, on a wicked winding road down a steep slope.

When I was there, dozens (felt like hundreds) of bikers skidded downhill, butts just inches from the ground. Some longer-legged cats wore knee pads or bubble wrap for protection. But how can you properly protect yourself from such fun? (You can’t.)

It was pouring rain, which added to the madness. I parked myself at a hairpin that seemed to produce the greatest number of wipeouts and crazed laughter. It was hard to tell who was having more fun, the drivers or the fans.

The cover of my book (shameless plug: it’s cleverly titled Weird Sports and hits bookstores Tuesday) is a photo from BYOBW. The race sums up why weird sports are so wonderfully wonderful. Adults can be kids again, laughing as they celebrate unabashed joy and enthusiasm. It’s a chance to relive the lives we had before 9-to-5, mortgage payments and planning for retirement took the fun out of having fun.

BYOBW is brought to you by some of the same people who bring you Burning Man. They thrive on thriving without entry fees or corporate sponsorship, and they’re a little touchy about publicity because they don’t want the event getting too big. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t donate to the cause. It’ll pay for the permits and police and Porta-Potties.

I wish I could be there on Sunday to relive this visual magic a second time. If you go, enjoy it for me. Thank those that make it possible. Buy a t-shirt. Just, please, whatever you do, don’t tell anyone. You don’t want everyone realizing how pure gold this sport is.

A few months after my shoot, I met Adam Lau, a photo grad from San Francisco State University. He participated in the race and made this awesome video. (If you look closely, you’ll see me on the right in a green rain jacket taking pics.)

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